Brewer's Yeast Side Effects

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You can use brewer's yeast, the type used to make beer, not bread, as a nutritional supplement. It can potentially lower your risk for high cholesterol and help you control your weight and blood sugar levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. It also provides a number of essential nutrients, including selenium, chromium and the B-complex vitamins except for vitamin B-12. However, brewer's yeast can also cause side effects, especially if you have certain health conditions.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Brewer's yeast is sometimes used to treat diarrhea and constipation. It can have a similar water-binding effect to fiber. The more common side effects of supplementing with brewer's yeast are those of a gastrointestinal nature, such as gas, flatulence and a laxative effect. These effects are generally mild, according to Drugs.com.

Blood Pressure Effects

People who are taking certain medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, or the antidepressant meperidine may want to avoid using brewer's yeast supplements. These supplements cause a medication interaction due to the tyramine they contain that can cause dangerously high blood pressure levels in some cases. Taking these medications along with brewer's yeast could cause a heart attack or stroke because of their effect on blood pressure, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website.

Blood Sugar Effects

You should avoid brewer's yeast supplements if you take diabetes medications to lower your blood sugar. Brewer's yeast can have an additive effect, causing your blood sugar levels to become too low and increasing your risk of hypoglycemia, which can cause symptoms including confusion, lightheadedness, nausea, headache, impaired vision and loss of consciousness.

Crohn’s Disease Effects

If you have Crohn's disease, you may want to avoid brewer's yeast unless your doctor advises that it's safe for you. People with Crohn's disease exhibit an immune response when exposed to brewer's yeast -- and brewer's yeast may increase disease activity, causing you to experience more of the adverse effects of your condition, notes Drugs.com.